Arizona Uber And Lyft Accident Lawyers

Ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft are increasingly popular among Arizona residents, offering a way to get from one spot to another in a cost-effective and speedy manner. A ride from an Uber or Lyft driver can be a convenient and beneficial experience, in some cases, it can result in an accident, sometimes causing serious injuries to the victim.

How Do Accidents Involving Uber or Lyft Drivers Commonly Happen in Arizona?

There are various causes for an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver on Arizona roads:

• The Uber or Lyft driver may be speeding or otherwise driving unsafely
• The driver may be driving negligently, such as by failing to stop at a red light or stop sign, or failing to otherwise obey traffic rules
• The driver may be driving recklessly, such as by following too closely or failing to check their blind spots
• The driver may be impaired, such as by being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• The driver may be distracted, such as by the use of a phone or other electronics, or they may be drowsy or fatigued
• The driver’s vehicle may not be safely maintained or may have a hazardous condition
• The company may have failed to train or supervise the driver properly, contributing to the cause of driving negligently

An accident can happen while you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, or it may be caused by the Uber or Lyft driver to another driver, pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist. If the accident was not your fault, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries.

Who May Be Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident in Arizona?

An additional consideration in filing a claim after an Uber or Lyft accident is determining who might be liable for the injuries you have suffered. It is possible that several parties may share liability; for example:

• The Uber or Lyft driver might be liable, if they were acting negligently, such as by speeding or failing to adhere to traffic rules
• The company itself might be liable, if the driver was acting within the scope of their job duties at the time of the accident. In other words, if the driver was on duty and handling a job. Liability by Uber or Lyft may be imposed through respondeat superior, which is a way to hold an employer vicariously liable for the negligent actions of its employee.
• Any third party that contributed to the accident, such as another driver involved, may also share some of the liability.
• For each party there may be insurance companies involved, making the negotiations and claims even more complicated.

A common issue regarding liability for an Uber or Lyft accident ties to rideshare companies’ business models: unlike a limo or taxi driver who usually works for the limo or taxi company as an employee, Uber and Lyft hire their drivers as independent contractors. This means each driver is responsible for transporting their passengers in their own vehicles, which can complicate the issue of liability: it may be more difficult to ascertain whether the driver was skilled and properly trained and whether the vehicle was maintained and in good condition.

The minimal driving experience required by the companies can mean that your driver is not necessarily trained or skilled enough to avoid an accident. The presence of multiple parties can make your claim even more complex, requiring you to prove that each of the parties involved should be held responsible for their actions in causing you damages.

How Does Insurance Work in an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim?

There are several considerations to keep in mind regarding insurance coverage and liability for an Uber or Lyft accident. First, Arizona requires drivers to maintain the minimum liability insurance coverage for driving in the state, and the two rideshare companies also maintain some liability insurance to assist victims who are injured in an Uber or Lyft accident. However, insurance liability is complex and can be contested, not only by the parties involved but also by their insurance companies.

Generally, a motor vehicle accident case involves a claim for negligence, which requires you to prove both liability and damages. This process can involve lengthy and complicated negotiations with the other parties and their insurance companies, which can sometimes result in a power imbalance — after all, insurance companies tend to have a lot of valuable resources on their side, and their goal is to minimize your payout as much as possible, sometimes resorting to unsavory tactics to get you to settle on their terms.

Having a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyer on your side can make a big difference, evening out some of the power imbalance in negotiating with large insurers and ensuring that you receive a fair and reasonable settlement offer. And, if settlement is not possible, an experienced lawyer will represent you at trial, presenting your case based on the pertinent evidence.

Why Trust Torgenson Law to Help with Your Arizona Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit?

When you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Arizona, there are many different variables that can affect your resulting claim, and there may be various parties involved who are responsible for your injuries. You need an lawyer by your side who has the knowledge and experience necessary to investigate the facts of your claim thoroughly, preserve important evidence, assess the full value of your damages, negotiate with the other party and their insurance provider, and present a strong case on your behalf.

At Torgenson Law, we understand the significant impact of a serious injury on a person and their family. We aim to take care of the details of your case so that you can focus on getting your life back on track after your accident. If you find yourself in an Uber or Lyft accident and suffer personal injuries due to someone else’s negligence, contact Torgenson Law.

We are conveniently located in Downtown Phoenix, near the Phoenix Japanese Friendship Gardens. Give us a call today at 602-726-0747 or get in contact with us online for a free case evaluation.